When you love a dog like Cooper–a scaredy dog who reacts poorly when frightened–it takes effort. All of it.

There is, of course, the training piece. It’s a big part of it because diminishing the fear through counter-conditioning or teaching coping strategies through positive reinforcement can help with the reactivity. There is, too, the management because at the end of the day, a dog hard-wired to behave in fear won’t ever be 100% calm or safe, no matter how many reactive dog classes you take.

Once you have some training down and once you figure out management strategies, the rest becomes a matter of anticipating and planning.

Where the training, managing, anticipating, and planning all come to a head: the vet’s office.

There are strange people. There are dogs. There are sometimes even other animals like cats and guinea pigs. There are weird smells and scared animals and unusual noises. There are slippery floors.

Cooper likes none of that.

But, there’s no getting out of the vet. I mean, there’s literally no reason for us to take him to a fair or to an outdoor patio or to a pet store or whatever, but there’s no avoiding the vet. For most dogs, an annual exam is just the bare minimum. Cooper this year should start his senior dog (can’t you believe it?!?!) twice-yearly visits. And that’s assuming–knock on wood–no other sicknesses or issues that would necessitate another trip into the office.

When I wrote that we were searching for a new veterinarian, a big piece of that search included finding a practice that could accommodate Cooper’s special needs.

So, I wanted to come back today with the follow-up tale of Cooper’s new vet!

How We Found Our Vet

We started our search through the usual routes: Google searches, Facebook reviews, even the Nextdoor app. We asked a few friends who they use and have had the opportunity to visit another vet in town. Then, we realized there was a vet’s office one mile from our house, directly across from the place we get breakfast every Saturday. Why not try close to home?

John called and explained to the office manager that we wanted to come in for a meet-and-greet with the vet. Two awesome signs came from that initial phone call:

They requested Coop’s files be sent over so the vet could review them before the appointment.

They gave us the last appointment of the day on a Saturday so that there wouldn’t be any dogs in the lobby when we left.

If you’ve been around for a while, you know Cooper’s experienced many health issues. I appreciated that he wanted to do his due diligence before we even signed on as clients. I also appreciated how accommodating they were when John explained that Coop is a reactive pup.

We arrived at the office a few minutes before our appointment. We could hear other dogs in the building, but none were in the lobby. Regardless, they put us right in a room to fill out paperwork. The vet tech came in and introduced herself. She sat on the floor while reviewing our paperwork with us. Cooper never approached her, but she kept a positive, calm, cheerful conversation going the whole time. Before she left the room, she said, “And now for the most important question: Can he have cheese?”

The entire time she talked with us, Cooper squished himself up against the door, clearly like, “OK, guys. Enough’s enough. Take me home.”

When the vet came in, he walked in the room unwrapping a slice of American cheese. Cooper’s nose visibly perked at that, and he inched away from the door.

The doctor sat on the floor a few feet in front of Cooper. He handed me a piece of the slice and suggested I give it to him first. After that first bite, Cooper decided to give the guy at least an inch.

Over the course of the next hour, we–John and I, the vet, and the vet tech–chatted. We talked about Cooper and his quirks. We talked about benign stuff like running. We talked about pet food. Meanwhile, the vet kept giving Coop pieces of cheese, and ever-so-slowly, he worked in pats, then he worked in a listen to his heart. Then, he waited for a while while we all just talked and gave Cooper cheese and pats, then he looked at his teeth and his eyes. A quick glance in his ears. More cheese. More pats. That was it.

The vet conducted a basic physical exam… without Cooper ever realizing it. Sure, he was still afraid, but he calmed down enough to settle for a few seconds at a time, and he allowed everyone to pat him. He never had the chance to go from scared … to terrified … to reactive. He stayed pretty calm (for him).

We asked all our questions (check out this post for more on that) and got to discuss many of Cooper’s issues in depth because, first, the vet was already versed having read his files, and because, second, we had an un-rushed hour to just sit and talk.

THEN!

This is what sealed the deal for us:

They encourage “social visits.”

Basically, we call them up and say, “Hey, we’d like to bring Cooper by for a social visit this week.” They suggest a day and time that’s light or quiet. We arrive at that time and bring him in to get cheese from staff in the lobby, step on the scale, and say goodbye. That’s it! A couple quick minutes of positivity at no charge. Imagine your reactive dog feeling less scared at the vet because it’s a kinda-sorta happy-ish place. (I harbor no delusions that this will “fix” his issues at the vet, but it can’t hurt and will likely help at least to a small degree!)

It’s not *quite* as perfect as it sounds. The practice is small, so they’re missing a few services we hoped for and had at our previous vet, but we decided that all the rest more than makes up for it. Kindness and compassion for a special pup like ours, not rushing us through the visit, spending time getting to know him and us… they won us over.

THEN we got a thank you note for joining their practice. #blownaway

So, yeah, Coop has a new vet. We scheduled him for his annual in October. I thought he was due in April but couldn’t remember why I thought that. Once we were home and I was updating his records, I realized it’s because he’s supposed to start his twice-a-year visits (GAH!) so was due for a baseline blood panel in April to start up his senior status. I need to call them back to schedule that, but there you have it.

My big takeaway and piece of advice: If you’re not happy with your vet, call around or visit vets until you find one you are happy with. It’s an important relationship, and you and your pets should absolutely find a place that feels comfortable!

Have you ever sought a new vet? How did your experience go? What were your big takeaways? Please share ’em in the comments so we can all learn together!

I’m not someone who’s easily offended. I’m a “live and let live” kind of gal, generally speaking, as long as you’re not hurting or bothering anyone (or yourself).

For ages, though, I found myself rolling my eyes over the same pet adoption memes again and again. But I never thought to comment on them.

Fast forward to this past week when I read a long, emotional post from a family in an adoption group I’m in talking about how one of their middle-school-aged children mentioned in a class project that he was adopted, and the other kids started saying things like: Do you think your real mom will ever come back to get you? At least you weren’t aborted! Are you afraid your adoptive parents will change their minds and give you back? and so on…

The parents’ request was simple: Please talk to your children about adoption so they don’t inadvertently crush my kid.

Juxtapose that with the pet adoption memes I kept seeing, and I finally realized there’s a teaching opportunity here!

No, I don’t harbor any delusions of changing the internet, but I also feel like when it comes to topics like adoption, there’s just not enough conversation out there. So, here’s an avenue to ask YOUR questions, add your voice, and share your ideas. I wanted to start the discussion with seemingly-harmless pet adoption memes.

There are two memes in particular I want to address: the “you’re not my real mom” meme and the “adopt love” meme.

Real Moms

This one, you guys:

It’s everywhere with tons of different breeds.

Or there’s this version:

Everywhere.

Here’s the thing: The amazing woman who gave birth to Violet and I are BOTH her real moms. End of story. Pet adoption memes somehow imply that either the birth mom (or some prefer “first mom” or “natural mom” but it’s up to her how she wants to identify) or the adoptive mom are less “real” than the other. I can assure you, we are both real women who both have important roles in Violet’s life. Sure, it seems funny because they’re animals so obviously we’re not the mom, though I argue that many, many, many pet people do consider themselves their pet’s parent, and that’s a no-less-real role.

Using these supposedly funny pet adoption memes about “real” moms belittles and judges both women who are moms to an adoptee. It seems silly because it’s pets, but the larger message spreads the hurtful ideas that poor kiddo had to face in his middle school classroom.

Also, a small quibble with that first version: In this day and age, adoptees know they’re adopted. It should be a part of their life story because, well, it’s a part of their life. A big part. The whole “OMG?!?!?” trope is played out.

Love for Sale

This one:

Um. OK.

I get the idea they’re trying to share, that adopting a shelter animal brings love. However, these memes perpetuate a dangerous myth for shelter animals because it implies that as soon as you bring your adopted pet home, he or she will love you to pieces. Life will be great. You’ve adopted love, after all!

I can tell you: Out of the three dogs we’ve adopted, that’s only been true for one of them. For the fosters and cats? None.

It also places MASSIVE amounts of pressure on adoptive families who adopt older kids, kids who have been through the wringer of the foster system, kids from overseas… it says: Hey! Adopt and get love! When the reality is that it takes hard, long, dedicated work to build trust and build a bond that eventually leads to love.

Plus, another small quibble: Is there an unstated implication that if you purchase a pet from a breeder, you’re not getting love?

Ultimately

The heart is in the right place. I get that with pets the human emotion isn’t a part of the equation, so the memes seem funny. I hope to share, though, the greater implications behind these “jokes” and what it might look like to the humans in the adoption triad: the birth mom, the adoptive mom (or dad), and the adoptee.

My feathers get ruffled when I see adopted children getting picked on simply because they’re adopted. I feel like pet adoption memes perpetuate ideas about adoption that just aren’t true. And I personally think adopted children are doubly lucky because they have a birth family and an adoptive family, multiplying the love in their life and in the world.

I do know that lots and lots of people get THEIR feathers ruffled when kids are compared to pets, but… let’s be honest here. There are a lot of similarities. So, it’s my hope with this post to open a conversation about adoption–whether you’re coming at it from the pet side, the human side, or the enjoys-memes side.

What do you think? I’d love to know in the comments your impression of these pet adoption memes and what questions you have about adoption from any angle! This is a safe space for any question that might comes up. I think we learn best when we share our own experiences, so I’d LOVE to know your take in the comments below!

Finding a veterinarian to care for your pets can be as simple as lucking into an awesome referral or as challenging as interviewing lots of potential clinics. We’ve been through the range of vets from the best to the not-so-great, and we’re embarking on a search for a new vet for Cooper! I’m hoping by sharing our experience, I can help you find the perfect vet for your family!

Since we first adopted Emmett in 2005 through today, we’ve run the gamut of vets. We started at a Banfield, then moved to a small clinic that was in walking distance of our DC condo when we adopted Lucas. When we moved from DC to Indiana, we chose a practice based solely on proximity to our house–and lucked into one of the best vets we could’ve dreamed up. When she moved away, we got an OK vet for a little while. Then we moved and chose a vet in our small Louisiana town because it was the only AAHA accredited vet in driving distance. When we moved back and back to that same, previous practice, the OK vet had also moved on and we were matched with a brand-new vet who proved to be the absolute perfect fit for us. Then we moved again and picked an AAHA animal hospital that was open 24 hours. For whatever reason, their turnover rate has been ridiculous… we’ve had four vets in three years, and saw a fifth vet once in between, and none have been the right fit.

So, we’ve decided–for the first time ever in all this–that it’s time to move on not because we’re actually moving but because this practice doesn’t meet our needs. And that’s OK! More on that in a minute.

Your relationship with your vet… and why it matters

Among the relationships your pet has outside immediate family and friends, the one with the vet matters the most. You need to trust your vet. So does your pet. You need to feel secure with your vet. So does your pet. No, it won’t always be super comfy for your pet. Cooper’s a nervous Nelly, and the cats are, well, cats. But, I need to feel confident that their vet will be compassionate with their, ahem, quirks. That’s the baseline for me. Even bigger than that, though, are the super tough times. When Lucas received his osteosarcoma diagnosis, his vet sat with him and sat with me, tears filled her eyes, and she took as long as we needed to ask questions and to make a plan. When he passed away, she came to our house and made the entire experience as gentle as possible. It was personal. She and the vet tech shared stories with us about Lucas from his stay at the animal hospital. It meant something. When Emmett passed, well, that vet was also gentle and compassionate, but we didn’t have a relationship with her, so it felt different, less authentic. Less personal.

Ultimately, your relationship with your vet matters because it won’t always be checkups and vaccines. Someday you might face disease or injury, and someday we’ll all face end-of-life care. Having a good relationship with your vet truly matters in those times.

What to look for in a new veterinarian

I’m not sure Cooper will ever feel relaxed at his vet’s office, but he did fine (for Cooper) with two of the roughly 10 vets listed above in no small part because of the effort those vets put into making him feel safe. That’s huge. If you have a nervous pup, it’s worth asking before you head in: What do you do for a fearful animal? (More on Q’s to ask below, btw!) Same thing for cats: Most will never be happy at a vet visit, but can you find a vet who will at least try different tactics to help your cat feel settled?

Here’s what to look for in a new veterinarian:

AAHA accreditation: No, it’s not a deal-breaker for us, but it at least shows that the practice follows a set of rigorous standards.

The lobby: This might sound silly if you’ve never loved a reactive dog but. When we lived in DC, Lucas was still new and intense in his reactivity. The lobby of the clinic near us was small. So, the receptionist would wave to us through the glass front, then kindly ask the other patients to move to one side so we could zip him through and straight back. Considering new vets now, I happened to be at another vet’s office in town and texted John that there was no way we could consider them. The lobby is SO small with two side-by-side benches and one way in or out. Our current vet, the one we’re leaving, has one thing going for them: You don’t wait in the lobby. You wait in a room.

Specialties or certifications: Are they a fear-free vet? Or a Cat-Friendly Practice?

Hours that work with your schedule: For example, if there’s no way you can ever get off work between 8 am and 5 pm, do they offer evening or weekend hours? If they’re not open 24 hours, do they have a relationship with an emergency hospital?

Payment methods that work with your needs: This includes accepting things like CareCredit or setting up payment plans.

Proximity: Can you get there quickly in an emergency?

Finally, are they willing to schedule an interview or a “get-to-know-you” appointment? This allows you to tour the practice and meet the staff before you commit. Some vets charge for this, and that’s perfectly OK since you’re using 30 to 60 minutes of their time.

How to interview a potential new vet (aka, how to vet your vet!)

Here are a few tips on how to find and arrange an interview with a potential new vet:

First, research potential vets on social media and among friends and family. Check out the comments and reviews on the practice’s Facebook page. Read their Yelp and Google reviews (bearing in mind people often use those channels to gripe), and check out your local Better Business Bureau for any reviews or complaints.

Second, call your selected vet and ask to schedule a meet-and-greet at a convenient time. A busy practice won’t appreciate or necessarily be able to accommodate a walk-in, so get it on the schedule! Ask if you should bring your pets along, too, so they can meet each other in a non-clinical setting.

Finally, have a copy of your pet’s records transferred to the potential new vet ahead of time. This is especially important if your dog has a chronic condition and you want to ask questions about their treatment methods.

Then, on the day of the appointment, arrive a few minutes early and be prepared with a list of questions. Here are 10 to consider if they’re relevant to your pet and situation (not all will apply to everyone, of course):

Will my pet always see the same vet / can I request a specific vet for our appointments?

What is your emergency response? Are there immediate appointments in a real emergency? Referral to an after-hours hospital?

How do you approach budgeting for treatments? Can you work with my threshold / payment needs?

What’s the follow up / support / resources available for any diagnosis or treatment?

I’m the kind of person who has a ton of questions. How long is a typical appointment? If I need more time, can I book extra time or a last of the day?

How do you handle end of life care?

Do you have a referral network of specialists if they’re needed?

What steps can we take together to help my fearful dog / scaredy cat feel safer?

This is so important

In a perfect world, you and your pet would have the same vet for life. That doesn’t always happen. This relationship is so important that you shouldn’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable… or to move on if they’re just not a fit for you. I recently posed this question in the OMD Facebook group and was so happy to see how many people have wonderful relationships with their pets’ providers, and it was fascinating to hear how most people found their current vets. As we look for Cooper’s new vet (and, by extension, the cats’ new vet, too!) I’ll share what we learn along the way! Join the discussion here in the comments or hop into our Facebook group to share your experience!

Have you ever interviewed a vet? What questions do you ask potential new pet care practitioners? What would you add to this list? Any experiences–good or bad–with changing vets?

This weekend, I’ll run my longest distance yet–a 10k–with sights set toward a half marathon in the fall. That, btw, is my uppermost limit. I’m never going to train for anything longer than that, but once I finish the half, I need a new goal.

Here’s my confession: I still don’t like running. I haven’t liked it since I started the C25k trainer app several years ago, and adding miles hasn’t added any love. It’s a slog. I’ve never experienced a “runner’s high.” Instead, I’m usually experiencing something I’ve coined “runner’s relief” when it’s over!

However, I’m committed to it partly because I want to be stronger, partly because I want to feel like I can do it, and partly because it’s Cooper’s greatest joy in all the universe. I can’t rob him of that just because it’s hard, ya know?

So, I’ve decided on trail running. (The photo below is clearly not us! I don’t know how to get a scenic shot of us trail running without, like, bringing a photographer running with us. HA! Plus, there’s nothing so mountainous in central Indiana!)

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I love hiking. I love being outside in the woods, breathing fresh air, enjoying nature. I love the feeling of tired legs after navigating rough terrain, and I love the look on Cooper’s face at the end… that happy, mouth-open pant that means he just had fun. Welp. Why not combine the two!?

You guys know me… as soon as I decided on that idea, I dug into the research. I compiled a lot of useful tips and info, so I want to share that with you in case you’re interested in starting a trail running habit with your dog!

How to start trail running with your dog

First thing’s first: Unless you’re in an off-leash-specific area, never let your dog off leash to run on the trails. It’s disrespectful to other people and dogs in the park, and it’s disrespectful to the wildlife. Trails are cut for a reason. Stay on them and keep your dog on leash. And, obviously (it’s obvious, right? I mean, it should be…) pick up after your dog. Yes, that might mean running miles with a poop bag, but that’s just part of the deal.

With that foundation, here are three tips to get you started running trails with your dog:

Avoid injury. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon your first day out, you don’t want to clock tons of miles in the beginning of trail running. It’s so much harder than running on pavement or on a track. Your ankles and knees need time, plus you’re using some subtly different muscle groups when you’re trying to stay balanced on terrain than a flat stretch. When this idea first popped into my head, I made a point to jog little stretches of trail on my hikes with Coop. Train like you would for any other race. In fact, it might be smart to start an app or program like C25k on trails even if you’ve already achieved that distance on pavement. It’s good for you and it’s good for your dog to take it slowly. No injuries!

Avoid overheating. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. That goes for you and for your dog. Dehydration can be sneaky, especially if you’re in the shade or at an elevation that feels cool. You’re still sweating a ton, and you and your dog are working really hard. Take water breaks and avoid overheating. And always bring water, even if you’re going a short distance. You just never know, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Set limits. It’s your responsibility to make sure your dog doesn’t overdo it. I mean, for you too, of course, but your dog won’t necessarily tell you if he’s sore, tired, or in pain. Caution is the name of the game. This rule also helps ease you into trail running! Start small and slowly build up your miles. Right now, Coop and I run intervals: We run for four minutes and walk for one. We started with less total time, around 30 minutes, and are building up our duration. Today’s run, for instance, was 55 minutes with those intervals. It helps build strength and duration while implementing a set limit–which is good for both you and your dog!

Otherwise, the best way to start is to just start! Hit a trail closest to you and give it a whirl! You won’t get anywhere unless you take those first few steps, ya know?

Trail running gear for your dog… and for you, too!

There’s an entire industry dedicated to gear, but I’m a firm believe in simplifying. You need good shoes. You need a way to hydrate. Your dog needs a collar and harness. Depending on terrain, your dog might also need boots. Beyond that, it’s your choice. You can suit up in all kinds of technical fabrics and carry bits and pieces of gear. I wear a thick pair of running tights from Athleta (thick because I often get sliced by brambles and thorns), layered tops depending on the weather, and a hat. That’s it! Here are a handful of other things to consider:

Water belt: You want to be as hands-free as possible. You’re already holding the leash, and at least for me, I like to have a totally free hand to help with balance. A water belt lets you carry your water, plus a lot fit your phone and a roll of poop bags. This one comes highly recommended, and John uses this one.

Shoes: I live in central Indiana. We have very little rugged terrain. Plus, I’m not conditioned for super steep or rocky stuff yet, so I honestly just wear plain old running shoes. These are my current ones, and I love them. If I were to get super technical with trail running, I’d probably look into this brand because it’s so renowned for trail shoes. Maybe someday. Regardless, I’m a firm believer in just being where you are in the process, so there’s no need to spend a ton on shoes unless you want or need to.

Harness: I absolutely do not recommend running with just a collar + leash because it puts too much pressure on your pup’s neck. Cooper wears this one most often, which we selected for visibility. You can’t miss him in that thing. However, it doesn’t quite adjust to a perfect fit on him because he has unique proportions. I’m in the process of looking for another option that’s at least equally visible. The other one we use is this one if I need him to carry some of his own stuff, like pickup bags or a water dish.

Bug spray: Both Coop and I seem to be tick magnets. He’s on a preventative, but I also spray us both down with a bug spray before we hit the trails (except in winter months). And to be completely honest? I just spray myself with the spray I buy for Coop and the cats, which is Easy Defense from Only Natural Pet.

Sunscreen: I advocate for sunscreen 365 days a year for any activity, but it’s especially important to have a good one when you’re sweating. I love the Sun Bum brand in both the lotion and the spray. For your dog, consider a product like nose protection.

Paw butter: For a post-run treatment, a paw butter helps soothe rough spots. We currently use this one, although we did get a free sample of it about a year ago so don’t have other brands to compare it to… although it has lasted a whole year, so there’s that!

Safety Precautions

Once you’re ready to go, there are a few other things you need to think about:

Weather: Dress for the conditions where you live, obviously, but I suggest layers. It’s easier to take a jacket off and tie it around your waist than it is to freeze because it’s cooler under the tree canopy than you prepared for. Stash some dry clothes in your car–along with a towel–to deal with mud or water. And if it’s too hot, don’t run. It’s not worth it for you or for your dog.

Animals: Most of the time, you can avoid wild animals by staying on cut trails. You’ll make plenty of noise together to keep most animals at bay. Don’t go off trail, and don’t let your dog off leash.

Dehydration and exhaustion: Stay hydrated. Bring something to munch on for you and your dog if you’re going a long distance. Wear sunscreen and appropriate layers. Set–and follow–limits for you and your dog.

Know before you go: I recommend starting your training on trails you know, but if you’re exploring somewhere new, check an online map first. Read reviews or blog posts of the trails. Get a sense of what you’re getting into before you go so you can dress and pack your supplies accordingly.

Trail running with your dog is FUN!

If you’re prepared and willing to work into it, trail running with your dog is super fun! It’s far more interesting to breathe fresh air and look at trees than it is to breathe exhaust and look at rows of houses. And it’s a different kind of challenge than just running on pavement.

Have you ever tried trail running with your pup? I tried to cover all the 101-level stuff I could think of here, but if I left you with any questions, please leave them in the comments! Or, if you have experience running trails with your pup, what would you add to this list? Have I missed anything important or do you have any extra tips? I’d love to learn in the comments!

In the summer of 2012, John walked Cooper through our southern Indiana neighborhood.

Suddenly, Cooper yanked the leash and dove into a storm drain and came up with… a one dollar bill.

He’s our highest grossing dog to date.

Of course, if we look at his net… actually, I guess he’d still be in the best shape because he’s the only one who ever produced any money, that single dollar! 🙂

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In all seriousness, dogs are expensive.

I find myself in conversations with people about all sorts of pet-related topics and cost often comes up in generic terms, and when I look online I see the same generalities around concrete topics. I’m totally guilty of this, too. We say things like: this dog food is inexpensive or this veterinary practice offers lower-cost services or this treat is too expensive or whatever, but inexpensive/expensive/low-cost/whatever to whom? Talking about money feels weird, I know, but when we speak in generalities, it doesn’t help anyone.

But then…

I started to google for actually helpful info for when people ask questions about the costs of dog food or veterinary care or whatever, just to have on hand.

Lordt.

There is so much bad information out there. On the INTERNET. Can you believe it?!?

In my head, before I started researching this, I thought I’d pull the numbers from reliable sources, average them together, then make a helpful chart. I definitely did not anticipate the extreme variation in the data. For example, in a simple search on the average cost of dog food for a year, I found articles that suggested dog owners budget anywhere between $100 and $900 per year. Vet visits were the same: Estimates varied from $25 to $125 for an office visit.

Imagine if you never owned a dog before! How confusing would that be?!?

Plus, a lot of super important things were left off of pretty much all the lists while unnecessary items were factored in.

Here’s my big problem with all those charts and lists: They’re income exclusive.

They all indicate that pet ownership is only for those with fat wallets, and you guys know by now that I’m firm in my stance that pet ownership can be accessible to all. But if you’re someone who’s just starting out looking for a pet, all those charts might make you think you’ll never be able to afford it.

Yes, you have to know the realities of the costs associated with committing to a pet for life. I know that when we adopted Emmett, there’s no way we could’ve ticked all the financial boxes listed in those posts, nor could we have predicted the unexpected costs. I’ll get into this more in a minute, but… anyone who’s willing to sacrifice the time and money to bring a pet into their home should be able to find a way.

All this preamble is to say: I’m approaching this a little differently than those quick-glance charts. Stick with me because at the end I’d love to know what you think I missed OR what you’d add/correct.

The REAL Cost of Owning a Dog

The Basics

Food and treats: What to feed your dog is a highly contentious topic. Some people have chosen dog food as their hill to die on. I’m not one of them. Yes, you can feed your dog for $100 a year. No, it won’t be the best quality dog food, but you can always supplement with fresh veggies or protein. Yes, you can feed your dog for $1200 a year. Will it make you a better owner? Nope. Not one bit. Here’s how to figure out the cost for your dog’s food per month: Take your family’s budget and figure out what amount is set aside for your dog’s food each month. Then, go to a site like Dog Food Advisor and figure out the highest quality of food you can afford each month. Just like in people, generally speaking, the healthier the food, the healthier the dog; however, dog ownership should never be income-dependent, so figure out what you can afford and do your best.

Supplies: Every dog needs a leash and collar. You can find them for under ten bucks for nothing fancy (like this). Emmett had one green nylon buckle collar his entire life, so no need to spend big here unless you want to! You also need food and water dishes, and you can’t beat a simple stainless option like this for price or durability. Of course, you can get super fancy dishes, too, so it’s just down to your budget again. Splurge if you want to; scrimp if you need to! (Check out my tips below for some ideas on this…)

Veterinary Care: Every dog needs to go to the vet at least once a year. That routine vet visit cost varies widely by type of facility and geographic location, not to mention the services your dog needs. Right now, at least according to PetMD, the average cost of an office visit is $50. Remember, that’s the office visit. That’s what they charge you to walk in the door. If you need tests, vaccines, or services like X-rays or dental work, it’ll be more. Just for comparison: Cooper’s annual visit last fall, which included a refill of his allergy med and a box of flea/tick preventative, cost $371. So, when you see people say “$50” know that you’ll never actually pay that! However, there are tons of options when it comes to veterinary care. For instance, google for “low cost vaccine clinic near me.” You might be pleasantly surprised to discover you can get your pet’s shots done for a fraction of the cost at a nearby clinic. Same goes for spay/neuter if you didn’t get your pet from a rescue (they usually take care of that prior to adoption–another reason to go the rescue route!). More tips on budgeting for veterinary care below!

License: Some cities or counties require dogs to be licensed. The fees vary, of course, but they’re pretty low: $10 to $30 or so per year with un-fixed animals always costing more. But don’t skimp here! If you don’t license your pet and get fined, you’ll pay way, way more!

The Practical

Toys: All dogs need toys. Toys provide stimulation–mental and physical–and enrichment. Some dogs live a happy life with a worn-out tennis ball while others get bored and need something new each week. Most estimates I found said to budget $35 a year on toys. I wanna know what kind of dog can stay interested in $35’s worth of toys because it’s certainly not Cooper. In hindsight, that was Em. He needed a couple toys to carry around. Lucas could thrive on $0 worth of toys because all he needed was to find himself a good stick and he was a happy little clam. That said, this category is dog-dependent, but stretch your money! Don’t put out all your toys at once. Rotate! Buy a few toys your dog likes and switch them every week or so. It keeps them feeling new, fresh, and interesting, while prolonging the life of the toy. You can also DIY with stuff around your house (like our old-faithful “bug” or our plastic-free puzzle toy).

Beds and crates: I’ve spent a lot on dog beds and cat beds over the years, only to have most of them go unused… Beds and crates are lifestyle choices. If you want your dog to be crate-trained, you need to buy a crate. If you want your dog to sleep in bed with you, you might not need a bed. If you’re crafty, you can sew your own stuffable dog bed with fabric you have around the house–even old T-shirts. Otherwise, the best dog bed deal I’ve ever seen was at, of all places, Aldi! They had humongous bolster beds for around $20, though their stock changes so frequently you’d have to pounce on the deal when it comes back. Other options: Goodwill or Tuesday Morning. Again, though, this is a category where you can spend as much or as little as you need to.

Cleaning supplies: When you welcome a pet into your home, you’re going to need to clean stuff. They have accidents. They puke. They shed. If you’re on a tight budget, this is an awesome place to save. Commercial cleaners are super expensive, and you can clean your entire house for a few cents per clean using vinegar and baking soda. Truly, it’s how I clean my entire house. (There’s this awesome cleaning blog with tons of free printable recipes, like this one for vinegar or I have free cleaning guide, which you get as part of the zero-waste pet 7-day email challenge.) The only cleaner I recommend you purchase is an enzymatic cleaner for accidents so that you don’t encourage more accidents by leaving some scent behind. Options range in price from $4 to $30. I suggest finding an affordable option that sells refill jugs like this or this–they’re much cheaper in the long term than individual spray bottles.

Training: So many charts say to budget $110 for a puppy class. OK… for one thing, at least where I live, puppy classes tend to cost more than that. For another, not everyone adopts a puppy. And, for one more, every dog is an individual. Your dog might need a lot more training than one puppy class. Plus, classes are great (with the right trainer, of course) to help a dog stay challenged and enriched his entire life while building your bond through the teamwork associated with learning together. All that said, training can be expensive. Group classes are always cheaper than individual, and some shelters offer free or reduced-cost training classes for pets adopted from them–still another reason to go the rescue route! Honestly? If you can’t afford training, you can DIY with videos on YouTube and books from the library. Focus on positive, science-based resources (Victoria Stilwell, Patricia McConnell, etc.) and then consider joining an organized pack walk for extra, usually free, enrichment.

Things That Happen

Replacing your chewed-up stuff: I’m only slightly joking. Depending on the dog, of course, and how well you can remember to pick up your shoes, you might get off with minimal costs here. That’s not been the case for us. For various reasons over the years, we’ve lost shoes and purses and an entire rug to chewing, we’ve replaced or repainted trim around doors, we’ve accepted that our coffee table and ottoman just have chunks missing, and we’ve tossed more than one chair with toothpick arms. And that’s among lots of other things I’m not remembering AND other things that weren’t chewed, like the set of blinds Lucas took down when he thought he heard something outside.

Emergencies: Is there a single pet anywhere who gets through life unscathed, free from medical emergency? In our experience, that’s unimaginable. We talked about that $50-per-visit fee with veterinary care. Well, if your little one gets injured or sick after hours, that fee jumps up big-time. And then, of course, there are the services involved with stitching a wound, inducing vomiting, administering IV meds, or whatever is required. It’s difficult to budget for medical emergencies because, obviously, you never know they’re going to happen!

Medical conditions or illness: Diabetes, cancer, arthritis, etc. etc. etc. Our dogs can suffer from many chronic conditions, just like we can over our lifetimes. These things add up, especially when it comes to maintenance medications. Just like with medical emergencies, it’s impossible to know what to expect with a new pet, but it’s so, so important to go into pet ownership knowing you might just end up treating a chronic condition and be prepared for that expense. How? I have some tips below…

What other categories or areas do YOU think someone needs to budget for when owning a pet? Did I miss anything? Hopefully I’ve covered the big ones, now onto some ideas on how to actually pay for all this…

Tips to Budget for Pet Care

I wove a handful of budgeting tips throughout the categories above, but here are a handful more that can add up to big savings:

Buy second-hand supplies. This one step alone can save thousands over the life of your pet. Check online resources like the Nextdoor app or craigslist.org. Visit thrift shops like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity ReStore. You’ll be amazed at how many free or extremely cheap pet supplies you can get. And don’t focus only on pet-specific supplies; a heavy ceramic dish makes a great food bowl or a decorative floor pillow can serve as a pet bed. Just be sure to wash and sanitize anything you pick up used.

DIY. You can make just about anything your pet needs, from his daily meals (working with your vet, obvi) to his bed to his toys to his grooming supplies. If you’re inclined, you can find recipes or tutorials to make absolutely everything for a much, much lower cost.

As for the vet… First, as I mentioned above, find out if there’s a low-cost clinic near you and what services they provide. Then, call around to area vets and ask specific questions: What is your cost per visit? What’s included in that cost? How much does a standard service like a dental cost? Do they offer payment plans? Do they accept CareCredit if it comes down to that? Do they offer any discounts or promotions throughout the year (for example, $100 off a dental during Dental Health Month)? Compare the answers from at least three or four vets. One tip: If you live in a metropolitan area, consider vets outside the city because oftentimes care will less the further out you get from the city.

Track down savings. When you find a food that your dog thrives on and fits your family’s budget, sign up for their email list, like their Facebook page, and follow them on Instagram. Brands love to hand out coupons to loyal customers. Newt, for instance, eats Wellness cat food. Every month their email newsletter contains a coupon for $3 off their canned formula, which equates to a few free cans if I combine it with my store loyalty card. Target recently advertised buy-one-get-one-free for their store brand of dog toys, so I stocked up and stashed a few in a closet to rotate in throughout the year.

Be a squirrel. For areas where you can’t predict or skimp–think, emergency vet care or medications to treat an illness–be prepared. Squirrel away for those instances. I know that it’s much easier said than done. However, I have two money-saving tips that can work for literally any budget if you adhere to them. First, get a jar or a can or a canister. Stick it where you toss your keys and purse. Every week, gather up all your loose change and $1 bills and toss them in the jar. When the jar is full, take the change to a bank or a CoinStar and convert it to bills. Combine with the bills that were in there already and stick it in an envelope. Repeat. It sounds almost too simple to be effective, but you’ll find yourself with a couple hundred dollars a year with this method. The second tip is a little tougher to stick to but makes a huge impact: When you shop for pet supplies with coupons, if you shop at a big retailer, they will ask if you want cash back. Say yes! Get the lowest amount (usually $10), take it home, and stick it in an envelope. Here’s the thing: If you’re using coupons, you’re not technically “saving” money. You’re simply not spending it. So, save it for real with this method! You don’t need to get cash back every time you shop–though you could and that emergency fund would build up faster–but when you use coupons, this method essentially “banks” the money you didn’t spend. Of course, be sure you don’t touch that cash in either envelope until you really, truly need it to take care of your pet!

The bottom line: Pets can be expensive. However, if you focus only on those charts and graphs found online, pet ownership feels income exclusive. That doesn’t have to be the case! When you adopt a pet, you adopt that pet for life. With a little planning and some savvy saving, pet ownership can be accessible and affordable!